Dole Announces California Cook-Off Grand Prize Winner


LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - June 30, 2010) -  With more than 4,000 recipes entered, DOLE has selected the DOLE California Cook-Off Grand Prize Winner with the help of celebrity chef Ben Ford.

Janice Elder from Charlotte, North Carolina won $1,000 as well as the opportunity to have her recipe featured on DOLE Canned Fruit nationwide! Her winning Orange and Avocado Crowned Black Thai Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe won high marks for creativity, robust flavors and innovative use of DOLE® Mandarin Oranges.

Janice was one of five finalists flown out to Los Angeles to participate in the first official DOLE California Cook-Off event at the Epicurean School of Culinary Arts. The DOLE team was joined by celebrity chef Ben Ford of Ford's Filling Station, to judge the cooking contest and five foodie bloggers from Gastronomy Blog, Savory Sweet Life, Food Tramp Diaries, Justin Eats and Gabriela's Kitchen were chosen to participate as sous chefs.

"We are tremendously excited to honor Janice Elder as the first DOLE California Cook-Off Grand Prize Winner," said Julia Pierrat, Associate Business Manager for DOLE Canned Fruit. "After a rigorous cooking competition, Janice's dish encapsulated everything DOLE stands for -- great taste at an affordable price for everyday entertaining."

DOLE Canned Fruit comes in three different varieties: Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple and Tropical Fruit. All DOLE Canned Fruit is naturally fat free, saturated fat free, cholesterol free and rich in vitamin C. DOLE 100% Pineapple Juice and Pineapple Mango Juice are packed with real fruit taste and always have the flavor adventure you've been craving.

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DOLE California Cook Off Grand Prize Winner Janice Elder from Charlotte, NC with Chef Ben Ford from Ford's Filling Station and blogger Gabriela Lopez of Gabriela's Kitchen